The Frua Elan

[trw99]

There is some admiration for the Frua Elan being expressed on the current Lotus Elan Shapecraft thread, so rather than hijack that thread I have begun this.

I wrote an article for Club Lotus News on Elan fastbacks in 2018. This is what I wrote about the Frua:

'Fortunately much more is known about the next fastback, a styling exercise by Carrozzeria Pietro Frua, who had penned the Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet, O.S.C.A. 2000 S Spider, Fiat 600 Multipla and went on to design the Saab Sonnet IV, Fiat 127 Coupe, Maserati Kyalami Spider and others. The car, with Unit Number 3403, was invoiced by the factory in January 1964 to Holiday Cars Import, the Swiss importer for Lotus. The Carrozzeria worked hard and fast, in time to show the car at the opening of the Geneva motor show on 22nd March 1964. The body was fabricated in steel, with aluminium doors and bonnet, then painted a custom red. A stainless stiffening rod was secured between the two rear suspension turrets, intruding into the load space somewhat. The interior was fitted out in luxury ivory-coloured leather. The rear side windows could be hinged open, whilst the rear screen itself, made with a substantial yet slim-looking surround, opened up to give access to the rear load area. At the front a smaller than standard chromed bumper stood proud above twin radiator openings, with the headlights given Perspex coverings, reflective of the 26R and E Type Jaguar. Below the front Lotus badge was a chromed script ‘Lotus Elan 1600 SS Coupe’. Rudge type wire-spoked wheels were fitted. The car was, intriguingly, fitted with an engine number indicative of the earliest 1500cc Twin Cam type. It did have to be replaced subsequently, once it had finished duty with Frua. Perhaps Lotus had the engine spare and thought that as a concept car, it would not be doing many road miles.

According to the first owner, Silvio Mosers, who bought the car from Frua in 1966, the styling exercise had been commissioned by Colin Chapman to test the possibility of mass producing a fastback Elan version. Indeed, in a press release the plan was announced to construct the Frua body and to then complete cars at three plants in England, Italy and Switzerland. As we know, this never came about. The car was exhibited at the Salon de l'Automobile in Paris in October 1964. The car remained in Switzerland, changing hands several times, until the 1980s. It then spent time in the UK and in Germany before finding its way to Japan, where it is currently in private ownership in Tokyo.'

Tim

[trw99]

These are some of my notes on the car, which I have précised for brevity's sake:

“A pretty car, but a complete faulty construction! The back was too heavy, we had to insert harder springs, so that the car did not rest on the bump stops. The character of the Elan was completely destroyed. Doubt it would ever made serial production. The engine was probably a badly functioning prototype. The car had to go back to Frua to exchange the inside panelling and to prevent the water leaks inside the car. The car was resold in Lugano, Switzerland.” Beat Schenker worked as a mechanic in Moser’s garage at the time.

12 to 22 March 1964 the Frua Elan was on Pietro Frua’s stand number 209 at the 34th International Motor Show in Geneva. The vehicle was initially aligned vertically to the passage, later diagonally.

Road & Track in June 1964 reported: "Michelotti was just bringing in an interesting Triumph-based coupe on show morning, [...] while Frua appeared later on with an exciting red Elan. Built of steel and aluminum on the Elan chassis, this is a plush GT with wire wheels, etc., and the back opens à la Aston Martin for baggage. An interesting touch was 'World Champion 1964' on the bonnet."

Beat Schenker recalls that the car was purchased directly from Pietro Fura in Turin, carrying professional registration plates TI 928. Rain had damaged the interior. Repair of interior carried by Frua in Turin. The engine was replaced due to poor running (lack of oil pressure when warm, rear bearing supports for the camshafts were missing). Also noted was poor handling due to the heavy tail.

The car was for sale in 1967 with 8,000 km, in Automobil Revue magazine. It was bought by Sergio Crivelli, of San Pietro di Stabio in Switzerland. He paid 13,000 CHF. When he was driving from Lugano to Stabio the left front wheel broke and jammed under the wing.

In 1973 it was for sale again in Automobil Revue, apparently with 5830 km, at 12,000 CHF

It was still for sale, this time with BMW dealer Rolando Agustoni SA in Balerna in 1974. The next owner is unrecorded and they put the car up for sale in Lugano in 1977 and again the following year.

The car reappeared for sale in 1982 for 12,000 CHF and was bought by Ruth Spycher, of Bern. Thereafter it made it’s way to London and then Germany, from where it was exported to Japan in 1988.

The current owner is known and lives in Tokyo.

Tim

[SENC]

Thanks Tim! Interesting to read about!

[elanfan1]

Much prettier than a Shapecraft IMHO

[Spyder fan]

Much prettier than a Shapecraft IMHO

Were you ever humble?

[elanfan1]

Much prettier than a Shapecraft IMHO

Were you ever humble?

Says Uriah himself.

[Spyder fan]

Much prettier than a Shapecraft IMHO

Were you ever humble?

Says Uriah himself.

Oh, thank you for your good opinion.

[TBG]

He may have his faults, but like me, being wrong is not one of them! D